Circular building adaptability in adaptive reuse: multiple case studies in the Netherlands

Abstract

Purpose The application of circular building adaptability (CBA) in adaptive reuse becomes an effective action for resource efficiency, long-lasting usability of the built environment and the sped-up transition to a circular economy (CE). This paper aims to explore to which extent CBA-related strategies are applied in adaptive reuse projects, considering enablers and obstacles. Design/methodology/approach A stepwise theory-practice-oriented approach was followed. Multiple-case studies of five circular adaptive reuse projects in The Netherlands were investigated, using archival research and in-depth interviews. A cross-case analysis of the findings was deductively conducted, to find and replicate common patterns. Findings The study revealed that configuration flexibility, product dismantlability and material reversibility were applied across the case studies, whereas functional convertibility and building maintainability were less applied. Low cost of material reuse, collaboration among team members and organisational motivation were frequently observed enabling factors. Lack of information, technical complexities, lack of circularity expertise and infeasibility of innovative circular solutions were frequently observed obstacles to applying CBA. Practical implications This paper provides practitioners with a set of CBA strategies that have been applied in the real world, facilitating the application of CBA in future adaptive reuse projects. Moreover, this set of strategies provides policymakers with tools for developing supportive regulations or amending existing regulations for facilitating CE through adaptive reuse. Originality/value This study provides empirical evidence on the application of CBA in different real-life contexts. It provides scholars and practitioners with a starting point for further developing guiding or decision-making tools for CBA in adaptive reuse.

Circular building adaptability in multi-residential buildings – the status quo and a conceptual design framework

“…The interviews revealed that economic incentives and regulatory support were the two most important factors enabling CBA. This observation aligned with previous research identifying barriers to implementing adaptability in housing design (Hamida et al ., 2023; Tarpio et al ., 2021). Hopefully, upcoming economic and regulatory frameworks supporting circularity will encourage the construction of more adaptable buildings.…”

“…As concluding recommendations of their study, Hamida et al (2022) highlight the need for a better understanding of how CBA could be enabled by design strategies, and "a practical and evidence-based framework" (Hamida et al, 2022, p. 64) for the implementation of the concept. Additionally, Hamida et al (2023) explored design strategies of CBA in adaptive reuse and concluded (similarly to previous research on adaptability in general) that the original design of a building plays a significant role in enabling adaptability in future alterations. Therefore, to address these gaps in CBA research, this paper's objectives are to (1) identify and analyse strategies that could enable CBA and (2) outline a conceptual design framework for the concept's practical application.…”

“…The MB examples discussed with the interviewees usually applied only a few design strategies. They did not follow a systematic approach to enable adaptability holistically in the building, as also observed by Hamida et al (2023). The ownership form of the dwelling units further influenced the extent of adaptability features in the examples containing both rental and owner-occupied dwellings.…”

“…The MB examples discussed with the interviewees usually applied only a few design strategies. They did not follow a systematic approach to enable adaptability holistically in the building, as also observed by Hamida et al . (2023).…”

“…This can enable ease of maintenance during the building’s functional lifespan and effortless retrieval of building components at the end-of-life of a building. Hamida et al . (2023) found that repairing and retaining building components and retrieving still functional products and materials were often used strategies in adaptive reuse.…”